Authy vs Google Authenticator: The Ultimate Comparison
Choosing the right Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) app is crucial for your digital security. Let's break down the differences between the two most popular options.
The Quick Breakdown
| Feature | Google Authenticator | Authy |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Backup | Optional (Google Account) | Yes (Encrypted Password) |
| Multi-Device | Yes (Recent update) | Yes |
| Desktop App | No | No (Deprecated in 2024) |
| Open Format | Yes (Exportable) | No (Proprietary) |
| Apple Watch | No | Yes |
Google Authenticator: The Minimalist Choice
Google Authenticator is simple, fast, and does exactly what it says on the tin. It doesn't require a phone number and works completely offline.
- Pros: Fast, no account required, clean UI, easy export to other apps.
- Cons: No native Apple Watch app, historically difficult to transfer (though this has improved).
Authy: The Feature-Rich Contender
Authy made a name for itself by offering cloud backups and multi-device sync long before Google did.
- Pros: Excellent multi-device support, native Apple Watch app, encrypted cloud backups.
- Cons: Requires a phone number, closed ecosystem (very hard to export your data out of Authy).
The GAuth Exporter Advantage
One of the biggest complaints about Google Authenticator was the lack of a Watch app. GAuth Exporter solves this by allowing you to keep your codes in Google's open ecosystem while adding a perfect Apple Watch companion experience.
Which one should you choose?
If you value privacy and data ownership, Google Authenticator + GAuth Exporter is a powerful combination. It keeps your secrets in an open format that you can move whenever you want.
If you want a set-it-and-forget-it experience with simple cloud recovery, Authy is a solid choice—just be aware that your tokens are "locked in" to their service.
Conclusion
Regardless of your choice, the most important thing is that you use 2FA on every account that supports it. If you're currently using Google Authenticator and want to upgrade your experience without switching apps, try GAuth Exporter.
Get the best of both worlds
Use Google Authenticator for security, and GAuth Exporter for your Apple Watch.
Download GAuth Exporter